Chengen Gu is a Research Analyst at CUNY ISLG, where he works with community-based organizations and local governments to support research, evaluation, and data capacity-building. His current projects include a citywide restorative justice initiative, where he helps partners make sense of data—designing performance measures, analyzing trends, and turning insights into stronger, more effective programs. He also partners with city agencies and web developers to build public safety dashboards that make complex data more accessible and help inform policy decisions across New York City. Prior to ISLG, Chengen was a Research Assistant at the Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices (CESP), contributing to a K–12 STEM education research initiative through data cleaning, analysis, and visualization. He also supported an evaluation of Rutgers University’s Second Chance policy piloted in two computer science courses. Earlier, he interned with Jersey City Councilmember James Solomon, conducting policy research and drafting ordinances adopted by the City Council. Chengen holds an M.S. in Public Policy from NYU Wagner and a B.A. in Economics from Boston University. Outside of work, you’ll find him traveling and discovering new cultures—especially through food and music.